My little fleet of bangers

Good to see Bangernomics back up and running - thanks to Jodie and the team Wishing all success!!

My 'fleet' of bangers is currently three strong:

2002 VW Lupo 1.7SDI

My wee Lupo is slow and noisy but also enthusiastic, reliable, cheap to run, easy to work on and great fun

It runs on veg oil averaging 65mpg + and is only £30 a year to tax. The mileage is approaching 130,000. Its great around town but, if I'm honest, not so good on longer trips...

I bought it at the tail end of an auction when most folk had gone home. It had no MoT, the clutch pedal was cracking off the pedal box and the door stays were on their last legs (common faults). However, it did come with a full service history and looked OK. It went through its MoT just needing brakes and, after having the pedal box welded and replacing the door stays, it was ready for use.

That was a few years ago and, apart from routine servicing, its not needed a thing done since!

When I got the Rover it was a bit sad and neglected. It had been involved in a very minor accident with damage limited to the drivers door, but was written off by the insurance company (Cat D). I got it for next to nothing, with some MoT and tax remaining, and started work...

The drivers door was replaced by an identically coloured one from the scrappie, together with the passenger door lock (not locking with central locking). I also replaced the heater matrix (old one was clogged up and heating only one side of the car - common fault), fitted new front brakes and gave it a thorough service.

That was two years ago. It has just passed 100,000 miles now and will probably do another 100,000 without a problem

What a superb collection of cars love the (I think) corrado wheels on the Lupo. I also have a very soft spot for Mk2 golfs.Great post.

redlorryJunior

Number of posts : 15Location : GlasgowRegistration date : 2011-04-24

Subject: Re: My little fleet of bangers Sat Feb 02, 2013 8:22 pm

Thank you!

Yes you're right - that's a set of 15" VW 'Sebring' alloys on the Lupo, as originally fitted to the Corrado and Mk2 Golf G60/Rallye during the 90's. I think they suit my wee Lupo well without being too flash

That little Lupo looks to be a cracking car to use on the bangernomics principle *heads off to eBay to have a little look about*

Whats the 75 like to live with on a day to day basis? I've had a few Rover's in the past myself but I'm currently considering buying something for my dad to use as his Omega is now heading towards an expensive MOT and a 75 would be right up his street...

redlorryJunior

Number of posts : 15Location : GlasgowRegistration date : 2011-04-24

Subject: Re: My little fleet of bangers Mon Feb 04, 2013 1:36 pm

Lupo's (and the almost identical SEAT Arosa's) do keep their value surprisingly well, so they can be a bit pricey for what they are. I was lucky - hope you will be too

As BMW invested heavily in the 75 and it used many BMW parts (e.g. the engine used in the CDT is the 320d's chain driven diesel), the 75 is like no other Rover. This, in my opinion, is a big plus!! As with all ageing cars there are various common niggles - head gaskets on 1.8's, plenems flooding messing ECU, heaters, electrics, etc - but for not too much money you can get yourself a nice, well looked after car that makes a really great banger.

The 75 is great on a long drive. However it is a large car and, with its swoopy shape and shallow windows, visibility ain't ideal for town driving. Reliability is generally good and fuel efficiency is consistent with other, similar cars of the era - although, as you may expect, the V6's can be thirsty.

Check out [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] for buying guides, how to's and general info on the 75.